Symptoms usually begin with a feeling of pins and needles in the ring and little fingers. This is often noticed in the early morning when first awakening. This may progress to a burning pain in the wrist and hand followed by decreased sensation in the ring and little fingers. The hand may become clumsy when the muscles controlled by the ulnar nerve become weak. Weakness can affect the small muscles in the palm of the hand and the muscle that pulls the thumb into the palm. Gradual weakness in these muscles makes it hard to spread your fingers and pinch with your thumb.